April 16, 2018
Today the Ontario NDP’s released their 2018 election platform which includes their plan for ‘Overhauling Mental Health and Addictions Services’. See below for a statement from Gail Czukar, AMHO CEO, in response to the platform release:
“The NDP platform commits to bolster mental health and addiction with a substantial investment of $2.4 billion over four years.
We’re happy to see the proposed investments are targeted where change happens – including a commitment to help more people by hiring more front-line mental health and addiction professionals, and to add 30,000 new units of supportive housing over ten years. We’re also pleased to see attention given to reducing wait times to less than 30 days for children and youth, as well as measures to mitigate the opioid crisis.
It’s clear that the Ontario NDP have listened to our urgent calls to action. They recognize that too many Ontarians are not getting the help they need, and that investing in community mental health and addiction services will improve and save lives.
The NDP plan builds on sound advice, including recommendations from the legislature’s select committee, the Auditor General, Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Advisory Council, as well as recommendations from AMHO’s members and partners.
With two of the three major political parties committed to significant investments, it’s clear that mental health and addiction is a key election issue. We are optimistic that the PCs under their new leadership will continue to prioritize much needed investments to improve access to addiction and mental health care.”
To read more about AMHO’s recommendations to invest Where Change Happens, click here.
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About Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
AMHO represents over 220 addictions and mental health care organizations across Ontario. Our members provide services and supports that help Ontarians across the province, including counselling and case management, peer support and family support, employment services, residential treatment, withdrawal management, supportive housing and hospital based programs.
As the collective voice of our members, we provide leadership and engage partners to build a comprehensive and accessible system of addiction and mental health care, and improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities in Ontario. We do this through policy work, advocacy initiatives, service development, knowledge exchange, education offerings and quality improvement work.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Gail Czukar please contact:
Jessica Behnke
Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
C: 416-490-8900 ext.229
jessica.behnke@amho.ca
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